You will find here a collection
of complete scripts that have been used in various Troops over the years.
Here you will see many of the bits and pieces from other chapters of this
handbook ordered together into a proper script.

This ceremony was adapted
from Woods Wisdom and variations of it have been used in Troop 30 of Newark
Valley, NY. One thing which should be noted is that this ceremony lists
some of the actual achievements of the Eagle Scout. The list of achievements
should be customized for the Scout who is being honored. The specific
Scout for whom this ceremony was customized earned part of his ranks before
the end of 1989 and the rest afterwards. The list of achievements reflects
this because it speaks of skill awards for Tenderfoot and Second Class,
but not for First Class.

CEREMONY:

SCOUTMASTER: [Welcome
and introduction of minister doing the invocation] There is a guest book
which we would like to have everyone present sign.

MINISTER: [Invocation]

MC: Would everyone please
rise for the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

[Music is played on the
organ.]

Color guard, post the
colors.

[Pause while the color
guard brings the flags forward and places them in the stands.]

Everyone please remain
standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[Recitation of Pledge
of Allegiance]

Scouts, please remain
standing for the Scout Oath.

[Pause for audience to
resume seats.]

[Recitation of Scout Oath]

SCOUTMASTER: [Introductions]

COORDINATOR: As scouting
coordinator for Troop __, it is my pleasure to declare that this Eagle
court of honor for [ Scout's name ] is now officially open.

MC: Would the honor guard
please escort [ Scout's name ] forward.

[Pause for honor guard
to escort scout to front.]

As we begin this Eagle
Court of Honor and examine the "Trail to Eagle," it is fitting that we
start with the fundamental principles of Scouting: the Scout Oath and
the Scout Law. We have just joined together in reciting the oath. Let
us begin our ceremony by lighting candles symbolic of the three parts
of the Scout Oath:

Duty to God and country
[pause for a scout to light candle]

Duty to others [pause
for a scout to light candle]

Duty to self [pause
for a scout to light candle]

MC: In Scouting, as in
most activities of life, there are rules. The rules of Scouting are found
in the twelve points of the Scout Law. As a candle is lit for each point
of the Scout Law, let us pay careful attention to the words and re-dedicate
ourselves to the principles contained in those words.

MC: A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is a part of his code
of conduct.

MC: A SCOUT IS LOYAL.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, and world
community.

MC: A SCOUT IS HELPFUL.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others
without expecting payment or reward.

MC: A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand
others. He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from
his own.

MC: A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that good
manners make it easier for people to get along together.

MC: A SCOUT IS KIND.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he
wants to be treated. He does not harm or kill anything without reason.

MC: A SCOUT IS OBEDIENT.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws
of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair,
he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey
them.

MC: A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come
his way. He tries to make others happy.

MC: A SCOUT IS THRIFTY.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects
and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

MC: A SCOUT IS BRAVE.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for
what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

MC: A SCOUT IS CLEAN.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe
in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

MC: A SCOUT IS REVERENT.

ANOTHER SCOUT: A Scout
is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects
the beliefs of others.

MC: The pathway to Eagle
can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest
being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot
rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain
climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities,
service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The
first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and,
finally, Eagle Scout.

From the list of required
merit badges for Eagle, he earned __________, __________, __________,
__________, __________, and __________.

He served at least
six months in a troop leadership position.

He planned, developed,
and gave leadership to others in a service project. His project was
____________________.

[Describe the project
to some level of detail.]

He participated in
a personal growth conference.

He was reviewed by
a board of review which included representatives from __________ District
as well as members of the committee of Troop __.

MC: Would all Eagle Scouts
present please come forward and stand behind __________ as he re-dedicates
himself to the principles of Scouting by repeating the Scout Oath.

CANDIDATE: [Recitation
of Scout Oath]

MC: I would like to introduce
__________, who will deliver the Eagle charge.

[Give as much introduction
as is appropriate.]

SPEAKER: [Challenge and
Charge to Eagle Scout]

SCOUTMASTER: The symbol
of your success is the Eagle badge which I now present to your mother.
Your mother will, in turn, pin the badge over your heart

[Presentation of Eagle
badge]

Eagle Scout [ Scout's
name ], in recognition of the wisdom and guidance given to you by your
father, will you present to him this Eagle tie tack, which he will be
proud to wear in your honor.

[Presentation of Eagle
tie tack]

And now, also in recognition
of the many hours of patient guidance given by her in your efforts, will
you pin the Eagle mother's pin on your mother.

[Presentation of Eagle
mother's pin]

MC: Committee Member __________
will present letters and certificates which have been sent by people who
could not attend this afternoon's ceremony and will introduce others who
will make presentations in person.

COMMITTEE MEMBER: [Presentation
of letters and certificates sent by people not present and introduction
of others who are present]

MC: At this point in the
court of honor, the new Eagle Scout, [ Scout's name ], would like to make
a few remarks.

NEW EAGLE SCOUT: [Remarks
by new Eagle Scout]

COORDINATOR: As scouting
coordinator for Troop __, I would like to offer my congratulations to
[ Scout's name ]for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. I now declare this
Eagle court of honor closed.

MINISTER: [Benediction]

MC: We invite everyone
present to come forward to congratulate the new Eagle Scout and his parents
and to join us for refreshments. [ Scout's name ]'s project workbook and
letters and certificates of congratulations will also be available for
viewing at this time. I would also remind everyone to sign the guest book
for this occasion. Thank you for joining us today.

SCOUTMASTER: My name is
__________, Scoutmaster of Troop ___. I'd like to welcome everyone and
thank you for coming. Our master of ceremonies for today is __________.

MC: Good evening. I would
now like to introduce our honored guests and ask them to stand. Please
hold your applause until they are all standing. [Introduce guests who
are present.]

MC: Will the guard of
honor please escort Life Scouts __________, __________, and __________
to the stage.

[Wait until they are seated.]

At this point, I call
upon __________ to ask God's blessing upon this ceremony.

MINISTER: [Invocation]

MC: I now present __________,
Scouting Coordinator for Troop ___ to open this court of honor.

COORDINATOR: I now declare
this court of honor in session. Today we have the honor and pleasure of
recognizing three candidates for the award of Eagle Rank. This is an important
and serious matter. In full awareness of the challenge of these times,
the parents and leaders of these candidates have labored long and faithfully
to develop them to be alert and to participate in citizenship through
the Scouting program. Their efforts culminate tonight in the presentation
of the Eagle Scout Badge. The success of these efforts will become evident
in the way these Eagle Scouts will set their social pattern for all the
lives they may touch. Democracy is a fresh conquest for each generation.

MC When a boy becomes
a Boy Scout, there should be instilled within him that which we call the
"Spirit of Scouting."

[Light a candle.]

This lighted candle symbolizes
that spirit. Because the "Spirit of Scouting" embodies the fine principles
of the Scout Oath and Law, it becomes a shining beacon of inspiration.
Alone, this light may be feeble, but when multiplied by the millions of
boys in Scouting, it can become very powerful indeed.

[Step out. Take candle
and move to other candles.]

After a boy has entered
Scouting, the Scout Law that he has promised to obey, is put into effect
as occasions may demand, and so, one by one, the symbols that stand for
the parts of the Scout Law are lighted. There are twelve parts, all important
and all meaningful.

[Light a candle at each
point of the Scout Law]

Each is an important cornerstone
in the building of a strong character. A scout is trustworthy, loyal,
helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave.
clean, and reverent.

And finally, in the three
points of the Scout Oath which we heard during the opening ceremony, he
promises on his honor to do his best to do his duty.

First [light candle] to
God and his country.

Second [light candle]
to others by helping other people at all times.

And third [light candle]
to himself by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally
straight.

You see how the light
from this "Spirit of Scouting" grows and becomes stronger. These, in outline,
are the basic ideals of Scouting, to which each boy subscribes when he
becomes a Boy Scout.

It is, therefore, right
and proper that we have made a careful review of the qualifications of
these candidates. In order that all may understand the completeness of
our review, __________ will report on the candidates' qualifications to
First Class.

[Takes "Spirit of Scouting"
candle and goes to the First Class Scout poster and candle.]

REVIEWER: [Light Scout
candle]

Our candidates earned
Scout by understanding and promising to live by the Scout Oath and Law.
They learned the Scout Motto, Slogan, Salute, and Handclasp and understood
the significance of the Scout Badge. They also took part in a personal
growth agreement conference with their scoutmaster.

[Light Tenderfoot candle]

As Scout, our candidates
were active in their troop and patrols for at least two months. They repeated
from memory the Scout Oath and Law and demonstrated how they practices
them in everyday life. They also earned Citizenship and one other skill
award, and after a personal growth agreement conference with their Scoutmaster,
and a Troop Leaders Council review, they became Tenderfoot Scouts.

[Light Second Class candle]

After showing Scout Spirit
and being active for at least two months as Tenderfoot Scouts and earning
the First Aid, Hiking, and one other skill award, they had a personal
growth agreement conference with their scoutmaster and a Troop Leaders
Council review and they became Second Class Scouts.

[Light First Class candle]

For at least two months
as Second Class Scouts, our candidates were active in their troop and
patrols and showed Scout Spirit. They earned the Camping, Cooking, and
one other skill award and the First Aid merit badge. After having a person
growth agreement conference with their scoutmaster and a Troop Leaders
Council review, they became First Class Scouts.

Now, Senior Patrol Leader
__________ will continue with our review.

SPL: [Light Star candle]

As First Class scouts
for at least four months, our candidates were active and showed scout
spirit in their troop and patrols. They earned five more merit badges,
three of which are from the required list, and did service projects of
at least six hours. They also served for four months or more in troop
leadership positions and after a person growth agreement conference with
their scoutmaster and a Troop Committee review, they became Star Scouts.

[Light Life candle]

Continuing along the scouting
trail, our candidates were active as Star Scouts for at least six months
and showed scout spirit and leadership. They earned five more merit badges,
three of which were from the required list for Eagle. After doing service
projects of at least six hours and having a personal growth conference
with their scoutmaster, they had a Troop Committee review and became Life
Scouts.

Will the honor guard please
escort our candidates' parents to the stage.

[Wait for parents to reach
stage and be seated.]

To attain the highest
rank in Scouting, our candidates were active in the troop and their patrols
for at least six months, showing scout spirit and leadership. They earned
ten more merit badges for a total of twenty-one, twelve of which were
from the required list. They planned, developed, and gave leadership to
a service project which was helpful to their school, religious institution,
or community. They passed a troop and district board of review. Tonight
you will witness the presentation of their well-earned award.

Now, __________ will describe
their Eagle projects.

DESCRIBER: [Give description
of the Eagle service projects. This may be broken up among several speakers.]

SPEAKER: Webster's dictionary
describes an eagle as a large bird of prey with sharp vision and powerful
wings, famous for their strength, size, grace, and keen vision. It is
the national emblem for the United States: the Bald Eagle. Though the
eagle is found throughout the world, he is never found in abundance; he
is always rare and he is always a superb specimen. In Scouting the eagle
stands for strength of character. The eagle stands for knowledge of all
phases of Scouting. The eagle represents an understanding of community
and nation, and a deep respect for same. The eagle is a symbol of what
a young man has done as well as what that young man will do, and will
be, when he grows to manhood. The eagle is a leader. The eagle is respected,
both by his peers and by his adult leaders.

MC: Eagle Scout candidates,
please rise.

I would like to call upon
__________ to give the Eagle Scout charge to these scouts.

CHARGER: [Eagle Charge]

MC: Would the parents
of these Eagle Scout candidates please stand behind their sons.

Will __________, Scoutmaster
of Troop ___, please come up and present our new Eagles with their medals.

[After he is finished
and returns to his seat]

Will __________ please
come up and present our new Eagles with their patches.

[After he is finished
and returns to his seat]

Will __________ please
come up and present our new Eagles with their certificates.

[After he is finished
and returns to his seat]

Will __________ please
give our new Eagles their mothers' pins. Will the new Eagles please present
their mothers with the mothers' pins.

[After he is finished
and returns to his seat]

Will __________ please
give our new Eagles their fathers' pins. Will the new Eagles please present
their fathers with the fathers' pins.

MC: The parents of the
new Eagle Scouts may be seated.

[Read letters of congratulations.
This may be done by someone else. If there are many to be read, excerpt
should be used instead of the letters in their entirety.]

[If any of the guests
have presentations to make, this is the time for them.]

The following is an
adaptation of the original Court of Honor Script. Most of the names have
been replaced with position titles.

4:45 PM Ushers start

About 5 PM Scoutmaster
steps to podium. Asks everyone to take their seats.

When everyone is seated:

Scoutmaster: Welcome to
this Eagle Court of Honor for Damon Drown. It has been 7 months since
our last Eagle Court of Honor.

Assistant Senior Patrol
Ldr.: Will everyone please rise for the presentation of the colors by
the Honor Guard.

The Honor Guard brings
up the colors and posts them.

Please join me in the
Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge . . . . . .

All members of the Honor
Guard can be seated except _________ who will return to the back of the
Hall to line up for the candle lighting.

Scoutmaster: I would like
at this time to introduce the Master of Ceremonies for tonight. [Scout
master introduces MC and can be seated.]

[Have scouts line up in
rank order at the back of the hall, Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First
Class , Star, and Life. Issue each one a white candle.]

[Instruct each one to
keep their hands out of their pockets, walk down the center aisle at the
proper time and move to each side with their lighted candles until the
Eagle Escort has finished bringing the candidate to the front. They may
then be seated, after blowing out the candles.]

MC: Thank you. And now,
let us begin. [The MC removes and lights a large candle, lights it and
leaves it on top of or near the podium. Lights are then dimmed. (Turn
off flourescents)]

MC: Our theme tonight
is "The Trail to Eagle". The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep
trail, leading to the peak of Eagle rank.

Along that trail are 6
steps, the ranks of Scouting that you had to pass on the trail. Damon,
it is fitting that you look back before you go on to other challenges
to see what you have accomplished. These experiences should not be forgotten
- You should benefit from them. Cherish the valuable ones, and make sure
the bad ones do not happen again.

Remember your first trip
along that steep trail? At first, you were called Scout by your brothers.

A Scout marches slowly
down the aisle with an unlighted candle, steps up to the podium and lights
his candle. He then walks solemnly to the left side of the stage and waits.

MC: Remember when you
received the Scout Badge? You learned the trefoil or Fleur-de-lis shape
was to resemble the Mariner compass as it would always point you along
the true path towards tonight. It had three points which you learned like
the three fingers of the Scout Sign were for the three points of the Scout
Oath.

Remember when you took
those first steps up the long scouting trail? You began to build yourself
physically, mentally, and morally by learning the Scout Oath and Law.
Before you knew it you were a Tenderfoot Scout.

[A Tenderfoot Scout marches
slowly down the aisle with an unlighted candle, steps up to the podium
and lights his candle. He then walks solemnly to the left side of the
stage and waits. The Scout waits next to Tenderfoot.]

MC: Your Scout Badge was
replaced by the badge of a Tenderfoot. It still pointed you in the right
direction but added were the two stars which represented the truth and
knowledge you had gained in Scouting. Also was the bald eagle, our national
symbol. You learned from the shield on the eagle's breast that the freedom
of America is not without cost that it must be defended.

Soon, you set out for
another ledge. There you were greeted by a larger group of second class
scouts.

[A Second Class Scout
marches slowly down the aisle with an unlighted candle, steps up to the
podium and lights his candle. He then walks solemnly to the left side
of the stage and waits. The Second Class Scout waits next to Tenderfoot
and Scout.]

MC: The second class badge
showed you a scroll with your motto "Be Prepared". It's ends were turned
up in a smile and that is what you were to do as the bottom knot reminded
you to "Do a Good Turn Daily" which is the Scout slogan.

You found that some second
class scouts had been there for a long time and were content with their
achievement. You continued onward. You studied and before you realized
it, you had come to a new ledge, one where First Class Scouts dwell.

[A First Class marches
slowly down the aisle with an unlighted candle, steps up to the podium
and lights his candle. He then walks solemnly to the right side of the
stage and waits. The First Class Scout waits next to Second Class, Tenderfoot
and Scout.]

MC: Your First Class badge
showed you that it was time to put everything you had learned thus far
together and this is what you did. You found that the trail to Fist Class
had not been all that difficult. You wanted to learn more in Scouting
so you continued onward, earning specific skills through merit badges.

Your next step was to
be come a Star Scout.

[A Star Scout marches
slowly down the aisle with an unlighted candle, steps up to the podium
and lights his candle. He then walks solemnly to the right side of the
stage and waits next to the First Class Scout.]

MC: The Star badge, a
golden star was to symbolize your new role as a leader. You were called
upon to be a guiding light in the darkness for those who were to follow.
No longer were you receiving Scouting but now you were expected to teach
new skills to others.

Now the Trail was steeper.
Leadership was challenging and also hard work. But you persevered, climbing
the steep trail. Soon it led you to Life Rank.

[A Life Scout marches
slowly down the aisle with an unlighted candle, steps up to the podium
and lights his candle. He then walks solemnly to the right side of the
stage and waits next to First Class and Star Scouts.

MC: The Badge of Life,
a pure red heart on a golden field was to show all the world the path
you had chosen. True to the ideals of Scouting you had gained an inner
confidence that was to prepare you for the rest of your life. The trail
became even tougher, but more interesting. You thought, now I am close
to the Eagle. I will carry on.

[The Eagle escort should
be ready in the back of the Hall with Damon between them. A Scout should
lead the escort with a single lit candle.]

MC: We in Troop 39 have
watched you as you have worked towards your Eagle. We have watched your
mind develop and your knowledge increase. We have seen you grow in many
ways and now that you are on the threshold of your goal, we welcome you,
for you have done your climbing in a Scout-like manner

Would the Eagle Escort
please bring the candidate forward.

[Pause while the Eagle
escort brings Damon to the front. After escorting him to the front, the
lead Scout gives the lit candle to Damon. The Eagle Escort then returns
to the back of the hall. The other Scouts with lit candles, blow out their
candles and take their seats. The lights can now be turned back on.]

MC: Will the Scoutmaster
please come forward?

[The Scoutmaster comes
to the front.]

MC: [ Scoutmaster's name
], as Scoutmaster of this troop, is it your judgment that he has fulfilled
the requirements to become an Eagle and exemplifies the idea of Scouting?

Scoutmaster: I am proud
to say he has.

MC: Could you now give
some of Damon's background?

[Scoutmaster reads the
biography.]

Scoutmaster: Damon, I
now ask you to repeat the Scout Oath rededicating yourself to it's principles.

[Two Scouts, the First
Class and Star, should be ready to come forward to light candles for the
Law. Using the candles from the previous part of the ceremony, light their
candles from Damon's.]

Scoutmaster: The law of
the Eagle is the Scout Law. I would now like to have the Scouts stand
and repeat the Scout Law as Damon lights the candles representing each
Law. Would _______ and ________ assist by lighting the candles which represent
the Laws?

First Class and Star should
now come forward and light their candles from Damon's.

[Scouts should repeat
Law slowly, giving time to light the12 candles. Scoutmaster stays at front
to assist with awards.]

MC: Your conduct along
the trail of has been excellent. You have rededicated yourself to the
principles of Scouting. You have heard the Law of the Eagle, but one more
thing is important - your future.

As an Eagle you become
a guiding light to other Scouts below you. You become an example to your
community. Remember that people expect more of you.

To falter in your duties
would not only reflect on you, but your fellow Eagles. The torch you carry
is not only yours, but theirs.

MC: Would [ name of Charger
] please come forward to give the Eagle Charge?

Charger: This is not the
end of the trail but rather the beginning of a new era in your life. You
are now entering a brotherhood of boys and men who have not only achieved
the Eagle Scout rank but have made a commitment to the Scout Oath and
Law. You will always be an Eagle Scout and will be expected to conduct
yourself accordingly.

Would the Eagle Scouts
in the Audience please stand.

Damon Drown, I charge
you to enter this Eagle Scout Brotherhood holding, without reservation,
the ideals of honor and service. Repeating the Eagle Scout promise before
your fellow members, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to the code
of the Eagle Scout.

Scout Sign, Repeat the
Charge after me: I reaffirm my allegiance to the three promises of the
Scout Oath.

I thoughtfully recognize
and take upon myself the obligations and responsibilities of the Eagle
Scout.

On my honor, I will do
me best to make my training an example, my rank and my influence count
strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship, in my Troop,
in my community, and in my contacts with other people.

To this I pledge my sacred
honor.

MC: Would you now light
the candle representing the rank of Eagle?

[The Eagle Honor guard
should now be ready to escort the parents to the front and retire to the
rear of the Hall. Pause while the last candle is lit. Damon's candle can
be put out.]

Charger: Congratulations.
I would now like to present you with the Eagle neckerchief.

[Charger removes Troop
neckerchief and places Eagle neckerchief on, shakes Damon's hand. Charger
can now retire to the back of the Hall to join the Eagle Honor Guard.]

MC: The Scoutmaster will
now present the Certificate. [Certificate presented.]

MC: Will the Eagle Scout
Honor Guard please escort Damon's parents to the front. [Pause while Guard
comes to front and the returns to the rear.]

MC: What Damon has accomplished
is with your support and guidance. It is fitting that you present the
Eagle award to him.

Scoutmaster takes the
badge from the bearer's box and hands it to the father who pins it on
the candidate. [Scoutmaster will hand the candidate the mother's and father's
pin when needed.]

MC: In recognition of
the many hours of patient guidance given by her to you in your efforts,
will you present this pin to your mother. [Pause for pinning.]

MC: And will you give
your father the Eagle Tie pin? [Pause. When done, parents can be seated.]

MC: I would now like to
ask Damon's grandfather, [ name ], to come forward to say a few words
and read some letters of congratulations. [Pause for words and reading.]

[Eagle Honor Guard comes
to front, congratulates the candidate and escorts him to the rear. Color
guard should be ready.]

MC: Will the Assistant
Senior Patrol Leader please lead us in the closing ceremony? [Pause while
ASPL comes to front.]

Adam: Please rise. Color
guard, prepare to retire the colors

Retire the colors. Please
salute.

Adam: At Ease. This concludes
our ceremony. Thank you for coming. We hope that you will join us for
some refreshments. [Scouts should allow adults to line up for refreshments
first.]

This is an adaptation
of the original Eagle Court of Honor Script. Most of the names have been
replaced with position titles.

As the guests enter the
Sanctuary, Boy Scouts of Troop 82 hand out programs and usher guests to
their seats. All speakers, participants, and their spouses are seated
in a special area prior to the opening.

Opening Ceremony:

SPL: (Proceeds to the
center front of Communion Rail and turns to face the audience) "Would
everyone please stand for the presentation of our Colors and the Pledge
of Allegiance."

(Boy Scout Troop and Cub
Scout Pack march in and take their places)

SPL: (calls the Color
Guard -- Cobra & Trailblazer Webelos Scouts -- to present the colors.
Once the Color Guard reaches the front of the Sanctuary and is in place,
he calls "Hand Salute" and leads the Pledge of Allegiance. The colors
are posted; he asks the audience to "Please be seated". He then dismisses
the Color Guard "Color Guard, dismissed", and follows them to the back
of the Sanctuary where they then quietly proceed to their seats.

Assistant Scoutmaster:
"Scouts, Scouters, and friends of Scouting, I would like to welcome you
to this Eagle Court of Honor. This is an occasion for pride and joy, as
well as a time for serious reflection. The Eagle is the highest recognition
that Scouting offers to Scouts. It is earned through the advancement program,
and only a small percentage of boys who begin in Scouting receive this
honor. The wearer of the Eagle award is the epitome of Scouting's best
efforts and beliefs. Tonight, we have the pleasure of seeing Bradley Wallace
climax his Scouting efforts when he joins the company of Eagle Scouts.
Before we begin, the Reverend Jim McWhinnie, Pastor of Grace United Methodist
Church, will deliver the Invocation."

Invocation

Significance of the Eagle
Badge

Presenter 1: "The presentation
of the Eagle Scout Award is an important and serious matter. For the Eagle
candidate, this is the climax in his Scouting efforts. The attainment
of this award is made possible through the assistance of those with the
candidate tonight -- his Scoutmasters, Troop leaders, fellow Scouts, parents,
family, friends, and members of the community. This is an occasion for
pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection."

The Eagle is the highest
recognition offered in Scouting. It is earned through the advancement
program. The wearer of the Eagle award is the embodiment of Scouting's
best efforts and beliefs. Bradley Wallace has distinguished himself through
his continued performance of active service in Scouting. He is trained
and practiced in his leadership abilities. And, he is marked by the character
gained through an understanding of his citizenship and religious beliefs.
It is important that each of us understands the meaning of the Eagle Badge."

(Lights are dimmed)

[The Eagle Honor Guard
speaks from the rear of the sanctuary:]

Scout 1: "The appeal of
the majestic eagle has been felt by every great people from prehistoric
times to the present day. To the Egyptians, the eagle was the messenger
of the gods and the sun, a symbol of eternal life. To the Romans, he was
the carrier of Jupiter's thunderbolts and a sign of power. To American
Indians he stood as the incentive to valor and the pledge of victory.
For us today, the eagle is the living symbol of all courageous and freedom-aspiring
Americans. When the Eagle Scout badge was designed in 1912, it was decided
that a small silver eagle would be suspended from a tricolor ribbon of
red, white, and blue. So it remains today."

(The Eagle is lit.)

Scout 2: "The foremost
responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout,
honor is the foundation of all character. He knows that 'a Scout is trustworthy'
is the very first point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout
lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him, but because
of the vital significance of the example he sets for other scouts. Living
honorably reflects credit on his home, his church, his troop, and his
community. May the white of the Eagle Badge remind you to always live
with honor."

(The white ribbon is lit.)

Scout 3: "The second obligation
of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. A Scout is true to his family, scout leaders,
friends, school, and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother scouts
makes him pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help
to build the loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to
one's own ideals, and to God. Let the blue of the Eagle Badge always inspire
your loyalty."

(The blue ribbon is lit.)

Scout 4: "The third obligation
of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a quality
by which men measure themselves and others. To a scout, bravery means
not only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to
stand up for the right. Trusting in God, with faith in his fellow man,
he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to
do. Let the red of the Eagle Badge remind you always of courage."

(The red ribbon is lit.)

Scout 5: The fourth obligation
of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful. To remind the Eagle Scout to always
wear a smile, the red, white, and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll
of the Second Class Scout award, which has its ends turned up in a smile."

(The Scroll is lit.)

Scout 6: "The final responsibility
of an Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout is service. The Eagle Scout
extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting's trail, just
as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. The performance of the
daily good turn takes on a new meaning when he enters a more adult life
of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as protector of the
weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed.
He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He will always
'be prepared' to put forth his best."

Scout 7: "You are deserving
of much credit in having achieved Scouting's highest award. However, wear
your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked
up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide
for tomorrow and onward."

(Lights are turned up)

Musician: (soloist --
music "The Lord's Prayer")

MC: "I would now like
to introduce Deputy [ name ]. He has been with the Lee County Sheriff's
Office for 1-1/2 years, and is currently serving as a correctional officer
in Fort Myers. He was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout as a youth, and believes
in the importance of programs such as Scouting for our young people. Ladies
and Gentlemen, [ name ]."

Keynote Address

MC: "[ name ], Calusa
District Committee Chairman for SW Florida Council, will now convene the
National Court of Honor."

Convening of the National
Court of Honor:

Councilperson: "By the
authority vested in me as a representative of the Southwest Florida Council
and the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I declare this Court
of Honor to be convened."

Master of Ceremonies:
"The Scouting movement constitutes one of the most wholesome and significant
influences in the world today. Many successful, well-known persons are
Eagle Scouts -- a former President of the United States, a film director
whose films have won world-wide acclaim, most of the original astronauts,
and several outstanding sports personalities. The Eagle candidate whose
efforts culminate this evening in the presentation of the Eagle badge,
has labored long to enter this brotherhood. He will assume even greater
responsibilities to the ideals of honor and service. When he pledges himself
on his sacred honor, he will be sealing his loyalty to the code of the
Eagle Scout with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence."

"Honor Guard, please escort
before this Court of Honor Life Scout Bradley Alan Wallace, where he will
be prepared to receive the Eagle Scout Award."

(After the Honor Guard
returns to their seats, MC continues)

Reaffirmation of Candidate
to the Scout Oath Principles, Master of Ceremonies:

"All along the trail of
achievement, your scoutmasters have given you advice and encouragement.
I call upon your Scoutmaster to vouch for you tonight. (Scoutmaster steps
forward, Councilperson addresses him.) "Sir, before presenting your Scout
the Eagle Award, we would like to have your assurance that Bradley has
been faithful in serving his troop, in giving leadership to its scouts,
in practicing the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, and in practicing
the good turn in his daily life. Based upon these qualifications, is your
Scout entitled to the honor the Eagle badge represents?"

Scoutmaster: "Yes, sir,
he is."

MC: "Eagle candidate Bradley
Wallace, what promise did you take when you became a Tenderfoot Scout?"

Bradley Wallace: "The
Scout Oath, sir."

MC: "Is there any reason
why you should not renew that promise now?"

Bradley Wallace: "There
is not, sir."

MC: "Then I ask you to
now give the Scout Oath as you rededicate yourself to its principles."

Bradley Wallace: (Gives
the Scout Sign and repeats the Scout Oath)

MC: "You have just recommitted
yourself to the principles of the Scout Oath. You now have a new, more
intense obligation to your church, your community, and your troop. The
knowledge you have gained in all areas of scouting will better enable
you to be prepared for the future and its challenges. The Scout Motto
of 'be prepared' now takes on special meaning."

"Before the Eagle Award
is bestowed upon you, I am going to ask the Honor Guard to escort your
father to your side."

(After his father is in
position on the candidate's right and the Honor Guard has returned to
their seats, continue with...)

"Eagle Candidate Bradley,
your father has undoubtedly been a primary source of help in your Scout
work. He will help you carry the standards of your award to the highest
peak of attainment, since the very best is expected of an Eagle Scout
in exemplary conduct, character, achievement, and leadership ability.
I am going to ask your father, who has stood by you so loyally to pledge
his willingness to continue to help you. Mr. Wallace, do you agree to
continue to help Bradley so that he may grow in character and those leadership
qualities that an Eagle Scout should have?"

Mr. Wallace: "I will."

MC: "Your mother has undoubtedly
been your greatest source of inspiration in your quest for the Eagle Award.
I am going to ask that she please rise and allow the Honor Guard to escort
her to your side."

(The Honor Guard escorts
the mother to the candidate's left. Presenter moves to microphone as mom
is escorted to Bradley's side.)

Presenter: (Give a brief
history of Bradley's Scouting career - see attached. When completed, he
continues ...)

"Eagle Candidate Bradley
Wallace, it is now my pleasure to introduce Eagle Scout [ name of Charger
] to deliver to you the Eagle Charge."

Eagle Charge:

[ name of Charger ]: "Scouts
of all nations make up one of the most wholesome and significant movements
in the world's history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America
as being worthy of this honor. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
This award, as you will know, is one of honor and responsibility. You
are a marked man. As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation
to do your duty to God, to Country, to your fellow Scouts, and to mankind
in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations
you bring honor to yourself and to your brother Scouts."

"America has many good
things to give you and your children after you; but these good things
depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has
had a great past. You can help make the future even greater."

"I charge you to undertake
your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only
toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to
the highest level of service to God and to your fellow man."

"So live and serve, that
those who know you will be inspired to finer living. I charge you to be
among those who dedicate their hearts, hands, skills, and abilities to
the common good. Help to build America's future by continuing to set an
example of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence
for God, whatever others may do. You will leave behind you a record of
which you may be justly proud."

"Eagle Candidate Bradley,
I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood holding without reservation
and ever before you the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition
of the Eagle Scout promise before your fellow members, you will become
an Eagle Scout. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will
be sealing your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout with the
same words which closed the Declaration of Independence."

"I reaffirm my allegiance
.... to the three promises of the Scout Oath .... I thoughtfully recognize
.... and take upon myself .... the obligations and responsibilities ....
of an Eagle Scout. .... On my honor, I will do my best .... to make my
training an example .... and my status and my influence .... count strongly
for better Scouting .... and for better citizenship .... in my troop,
.... in my community, .... and in my contacts with other people. ....
To this I pledge my sacred honor."

Two. Please be seated"

"Bradley, your conduct
along the trail has been excellent. You have rededicated yourself to the
principles of Scouting. But one more thing is important ... your future."

"As an Eagle Scout, you
become a guide to other Scouts. You become an example in your community.
Remember that your actions are now a little more conspicuous and people
will expect more of you. To falter in your responsibility would reflect
not only on you, but on your fellow Eagles and all of Scouting. The torch
you carry is not only yours, but it is also ours."

Presentation of Award:

Presenter 2: "Life Scout
Bradley Wallace, we are finally at that point you have been waiting for.
Having confirmed all readiness for the reception of this award, it is
now time to formally present this high badge of accomplishment."

"By the authority vested
in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it
is my privilege an pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout. May the Oath
you have taken always remain with you."

"No words of this Court
of Honor could do justice to the devotion and patient perseverance with
which your Scoutmaster has helped you towards worthy manhood. Only from
his hands could you receive your Eagle award at this moment. Will Scoutmaster
[ name ] pin the badge on this new Eagle Scout?"

In recognition of fatherly
advice and guidance along the trail to Eagle, I will ask this Eagle Scout's
father now to present to his son the Eagle Scout certificate and personal
letter of commendation from the Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America."
(Hand certificate to father for presenting. Letter should be read before
presenting.)

"No one will ever know
the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and helpfulness from the mother
of this Eagle Scout which have led us to this night. As the symbol of
what his mother has made possible, the court will now ask this Eagle to
present his mother with a miniature Eagle pin." (Son pins on miniature
Eagle pin. When all the insignia have been presented, speaker gives the
new Eagle Scout the Scout handclasp with the left hand. Right handshake
should be used for each of the parents.)

"May I congratulate you
again, and may I remind you that Scouting should now become an even greater
tie between son and parents, binding you even more closely as a family.
To you, Eagle Scout Bradley Wallace, I express confidence that you will
honor Scouting with your life and service as tonight Scouting honors you.
That God may bless you and make you a blessing is our prayer."

"Honor Guard, please escort
Bradley's parents to their seats."

(As the Honor Guard is
seating the parents, Scoutmaster moves to the microphone and continues
...)

Special Recognition:

Scoutmaster: "It gives
me great pleasure to introduce [ name ], Chartered Organization Representative
for the Scouting units here at Grace UMC, who will present those with
special recognition's for the new Eagle Scout."

Chartered Organization
Representative : (says a few words on behalf of the sponsoring organization, and introduces the following
people:)

[ name ], Committee Chairman,
Troop 82 (plaque)

[ name ], Kiwanis, (plaque
+)

[ name ], Optimist, (plaque
+)

(When presentations are
complete, Scoutmaster moves back to the microphone for the closing.)

Closing

Scoutmaster: "Now Bradley,
before you leave this ceremony, will you kneel where you are and in true
Scout fashion, silently ask your God to give you strength and courage
to wear with distinction and honor the award which you now hold."

( A moment of silent prayer)

"I congratulate you as
an Eagle Scout. The eagle soars high and seeks to rest only upon the lofty
peaks. As an Eagle Scout, you too must soar high. You must not swerve
from the path of duty. Your ideals must be lofty. You must strive to obtain
that which is the highest and noblest in life."

"I hereby close this Eagle
Court of Honor and present to you Eagle Scout Bradley A. Wallace."

Bradley Wallace: (After
applause, Bradley says a few words of thanks)

Benediction

SPL: (Leads closing, colors
recess.)

Honor Guard: Escorts parents
out. All remaining Boy Scouts follow, then Cub Scouts. Receiving line
is formed in Fellowship Hall.

Here is a copy of the
Eagle ceremony that my troop has done for many years. -- Joe Ulrich, julrich@cdcj089.cnp.cldx.com

Program

Welcome
: Scoutmaster

Invocation
: Clergyman or Scoutmaster

Dinner
(Cleanup by Scouts): Dinner Committee

Opening
Ceremony: Senior Patrol

Scoutmaster
Messages: Scoutmaster

Court of
Awards: Scoutmaster

Eagle Court
of Honor

Opening candle Ceremony:
Scoutmaster

Trail of the Eagle: Scoutmaster

Eagle Poem : Scoutmaster

Eagle Charge: Selected
Eagle Scout

Eagle Oath: Scoutmaster

Eagle Presentations: Mother,
Scout

Speakers: Scoutmasters,
Dignitaries

Acceptance: New Eagle
Scout

Benediction : Clergyman
or Scoutmaster

Refreshments: Dinner Committee

Note: While guests are
arriving, talk to each dignitary to determine if they have a presentation
to make, and if the care to speak. Ask them how they prefer to be introduced,
and put them on the schedule of speakers. Ask if they have any special
scheduling needs.

Ask the SPL if he has
the Trail of the Eagle participants arranged. If not, do it NOW!!

Welcome

SM On behalf of the [ Scout's
name ] family, I'd like to welcome all of you to this banquet. Many scouts
set out on the trail to Eagle, but few have the perseverance to follow
it to the end. [ Scout's name ]is one of those few and we are here tonight
to honor his great achievement.

{ Minister's name ] will
now perform the invocation.

Invocation (if needed):
Lord, you bring us together this evening to honor the Eagle scout. We
thank you for the food we are about to eat. We acknowledge your guidance
in helping boys and adults work together to build leadership and appreciation
of the outdoors. Lord, continue to watch over these boys as they grow
into young men, and give the adults the patience and wisdom to guide them.
Amen.

[Note: Get scouts to pick
up trash near end of meal. Don't neglect to recognize the kitchen staff!!]

Opening Ceremony

SM: Will the color guard
please perform the opening ceremony.

SPL: Pledge, Oath, Law.

Scoutmaster Messages

[Note: Use this time for
any important messages that MUST be done this night. Keep it short!!]

Slide Show

[Note: If this is the
first family activity of the year, do a slide show of the past years activities.
Keep it short!!]

Court of Awards

[Note: Recognize those
scouts who are working on advancement, but try not to take the time to
hand out patches. When the awards are completed, instruct the Trail of
the Eagle participants to file out and get organized.]

Eagle Court of Honor

SM: We would now like
to begin the Eagle Court of Honor for [ Scout's name ]. [Name] will perform
the Opening Candle Ceremony.

Candle Ceremony

[Note: The scout spirit
candle must be lit prior to starting ceremony.]

Will the honor guard please
escort Mr. & Mrs. [ Scout's name ] to the Eagle Court of Honor. (Parents
escorted and seated at the front of the room)

Will the Honor guard please
escort Eagle Candidate [ Scout's name ] to the Eagle Court of Honor. (Candidate
escorted to the Candle Ceremony. It should be located to allow enough
room to move from ceremony to the beginning of the Trail of the Eagle.)

Please turn out the lights.
(The large Scout spirit candle is to be the only light in the room.)

The candle aflame represents
the spirit of Scouting. [ Scout's name ], it is in fact your demonstration
of scout spirit that has brought you to where you are tonight. As a symbol
of the spirit in you, [ Scout's name ] , will you at this time light your
candle from the scout spirit candle and take your position behind the
table.

This evening, [ Scout's
name ] , as you prepare to receive Scouting's highest honor, the Eagle
Scout Award, let's pause and reflect on the oath and the law which are
the essence of the scout spirit in you.

Would you now recite the
scout oath to this audience and pause to light a candle for each of the
three parts of the oath.

Scout: On my honor, I
will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the scout
law. (Lights red candle.)

SM: As a Boy Scout of
America, I believe that America's strength lies in her trust in God and
in the courage and strength of her people. I will, therefore, be faithful
in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in
my own life. I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can
to preserve and enrich it. I will hold the values of the scout law in
highest regard.

Scout: To help other people
at all times. (Lights the white candle.)

SM: I recognize the dignity
and worth of my fellow men and will use fair play and goodwill in dealing
with them.

SM: I will acquire the
attitude that seeks truth, strength, and uprightness, first in myself
and then in all situations I encounter throughout my life.

The scout law is a set
of guiding values that you have adopted for your life. ___________, recite
the scout law and light a candle for each point as we pause to reflect
on its meaning.

Scout : A scout is trustworthy.
(Lights a candle on one side.)

SM: A scout tells the
truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is a part of his code of conduct.
People can always depend on him.

Scout: Loyal. (Lights
a candle on the other side. Continues to light candles after each point
alternating sides.)

SM: A scout is true to
his family, friends, scout leaders, school, nation, and community.

Scout Helpful.

SM: A scout is concerned
about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting
payment or reward.

Scout: Friendly.

SM: A scout is a friend
to all. He is a brother to other scouts. He seeks to understand others.
He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own.

Scout: Courteous.

SM: A scout is polite
to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that good manners
make it easier for people to get along together.

Scout: Kind.

SM: A scout understands
that there is strength in being gentile. He treats others as he wants
to be treated. He does not harm or kill anything without reason.

Scout : Obedient.

SM: A scout follows the
rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community
and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to
have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

Scout: Cheerful.

SM: A scout looks for
the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He
tries to make others happy.

Scout : Thrifty.

SM: A scout works to pay
his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and
conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

Scout: Brave.

SM: A scout can face danger
even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is
right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

Scout: Clean.

SM A scout keeps his body
and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living
by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

Scout: Reverent.

SM: A scout is reverent
toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs
of others.

[ Scout's name ], you
have thoughtfully prepared yourself for the Trail of the Eagle. Your journey
now is only beginning.

Trail of the Eagle

SM: Please post the Trail
of the Eagle. (Participants file in and take their positions.)

At this time, your Eagle
Scout escorts will conduct you through the Trail of the Eagle. (Candidate
is escorted to start of the trail.)

Mr. [Name] will now tell
us of [ Scout's name ]'s, Trail to Eagle.

[Note: A slide show and
talk of the scout's activities and dates of advancement. As each rank
is presented on the screen, the candidate lights the candles of the scouts
along the trail representing that rank.]

Eagle Poem

SM: Mr. [Name] will now
recite the Eagle Poem.

Fond parents watch their
boy where he stands

apart from his friends
tonight

as the y place on his
camp-battered tunic, a badge

an eagle, the emblem of
right

It seems just a few short
months have passed

since he joined with the
youngsters next door

how proud he was the of
his new scout badge

as he told them the message
it bore.

But the years have gone
as he struggled along

to learn what the scout
law's all about

he practiced them daily,
the oath and the law

until now he's an Eagle
Scout.

You may smile in your
worldly old wisdom at this

and say, "Why it's only
a pin."

But I tell you, no honors
he'll gain as a man

will mean as much to him.

The red, white, and blue
of the ribbon you see

are the symbols of honor
and truth

he has learned how to
value these fine attributes

in the glorious days of
his youth.

And the outflinging wings
of the eagle scout badge

on the breast of this
knight of today

are the things which will
lift him above petty deeds

and guide him along the
right way.

Yes, it's only a pin,
just an eagle scout badge

but the heart that's beneath
it beats true

and will throb to the
last for the things which are good

a lesson ......for me.......
and for you.

[Note: 15 second pause,
then raise the lights.]

Eagle Charge

SM: [ Scout's name ],
having completed the requirements for Eagle, are you prepared to accept
the challenge of the Eagle Scout and rededicate yourself to the Scout
Oath and Scout Law?

Scout: I am.

SM: [ Scout's name ],,
please join your parents for the Eagle Charge. The honor guard may be
seated.

The Eagle Charge will
be given by Eagle Scout [Name].

Eagle: Eagle Candidate,
[ Scout's name ], I charge you:

Enter the Eagle Scout
Brotherhood holding, without reservation, ever before you the ideals of
honor and service. I further charge you to remember that this entry into
the Eagle Brotherhood is not an end to your commitment to these ideals
but rather, just the beginning of the commitment. By repetition of the
Eagle Scout Oath before your parents, leaders, and fellow scouts you acknowledge
your acceptance of the challenge and become an Eagle Scout. Though these
words are similar to those by which you joined scouting, tonight they
have a special significance as you pledge, on your sacred word of honor
your eternal loyalty to this code.

I, [Scout's name], reaffirm
my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath.

I thoughtfully recognize

and take upon myself

the obligations and responsibilities

of an Eagle Scout.

With the help of God,

I will do my best

to make my training an
example.

My influence and my opportunities

strongly count for physical
fitness,

for wholesome character

and for devoted citizenship,

in Scouting,

and in my community.

To this I pledge my sacred
honor.

SM: By the authority vested
in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it
is my privilege to pronounce you, [Scout's name], an Eagle Scout. Let's
have a round of applause for this fine young man.

Mrs. [Mother of Scout's
name], will you please pin the Eagle badge on [Scout's name].

As a symbol of the advice
and council provided you by your mother as you advanced along the Eagle
trail, I now ask you, [Scout's name], to pin the miniature Eagle pin on
your mother.

As a symbol of the fatherly
guidance provided as advanced along the Eagle trail, I now ask you, [Scout's
name], to present this token to your father.

Eagle Scout [Scout's name],
you and your parents may be seated.

Speakers and Presentations

Acceptance Speech

SM: Would our new Eagle
scout like to say a few words?

Scout Gives speech.

SM: Thank you [Scout's
name],. I would like to join the [Scout's name], family in thanking the
Eagle Banquet committee and everyone else who helped make this celebration
such a success.

Benediction

SM: Now I'd like to ask
[ Minister's name ] to close these proceedings with the benediction.

SM: Thank you. Please
join us in congratulating [Scout's name], and enjoy some cake and refreshments.

(conduct opening flag
ceremony; Smudgee carries troop flag and 2 OA members in full costume,
carry the American flag)

(SPOTLIGHTER: light should
move to MC)

MC: Welcome everyone.
I'm __________ with __________ and will be your MC for tonight's ceremony.
We have several individuals who are active in the scouting program here
with us tonight. (recognize various leaders, i.e., Troop leaders, etc.)
If we have any Eagle Scouts with us, young or not so young, would you
please stand for a moment and be recognized. (Pause) You may be seated.
Tonight we gather to honor one of our own. A scout who has proven himself
worthy of Scouting's highest honor. Eagle Scout is not earned by the timid
or the undedicated. Nor is it earned by the dispassionate. Eagle scout
is earned by only those who work hard, exhibit virtue, and have ignited
the passion of the scouting spirit in their soul. For that reason, only
2% of the boys who join boy scouts will ever become Eagle. The few that
do, are seen as leaders among men. Tonight, [ Scout's name ] will join
those few, known as Eagle Scout. Please join me in silence as we observe
a Native American ceremony of smudging. The smudging ritual is done to
purify the ceremonial area and its participants, and to ask for a blessing
from our creator.

(SPOTLIGHTER: shines light
on smudger, and each person as he smudges)

(SMUDGER is positioned
center stage close to audience; Smudger blesses the four winds and the
sky and the earth. **As each person is smudged, he is to gather the smoke
in his arms, and imitate pouring the smoke over their heads.)

(ENTER YOUNG SMUDGER:
he is smudged by smudgee)

(ENTER 2 OA TEAM: they
are smudged by young smudger)

(OA TEAM exits to retrieve
Eagle Scout and bring him forward to Young Smudger)

(OA TEAM then escorts
Eagle Scout to fire where he is sat down on right side of fire, sideways
to audience.)

(OA TEAM: return to podium
to wait for signal)

(MC: starts tape **VOICE
OF THE EAGLE****)

VOICE OF THE EAGLE

This is the voice of the
Eagle, the Eagle whose heights you struggled to reach. We remember well
when you first came to the base of the cliff, and how you looked up with
ambition and determination.

Look back for a moment,
look back over the cliff you have climbed; look back at the experience
you have encountered in your ascent. These experiences should not be forgotten,
and you should profit by making sure that the adverse ones do not occur
again. Experience is a valuable teacher if you heed its teachings.

(SPOT TENDERFOOT)

We remember when you took
your first step upon the trail that leads upward. With your first step,
you began living the Scout Oath and Law. While you were on the trail,
we watched you study and then we watched you learn by doing. First you
were only a candidate, building yourself physically, mentally, and morally.
Then your brother Scouts called you a Tenderfoot and they were right,
you were indeed a Tenderfoot.

(SPOT OFF)

(SPOT SECOND CLASS)

But not for long, for
soon you reached the first ledge where you were greeted by a group of
Second Class Scouts.

Some, like yourself, were
stopping to catch their breath before continuing along the Eagle trail.

(SPOT OFF)

(SPOT FIRST CLASS)

You began to study more,
you worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to another
ledge, the ledge where First Class Scouts dwell.

(SPOT OFF)

(SPOT STAR)

There you found a tempting
green meadow by a crystal clear stream, bathed by the sun. Here you were
tempted to remain. Yes, you could have remained there to live in First
Class glory, but your ambition stirred you on. We next remember your progress
when you became a Star Scout. You found the trail from First Class had
been an optical illusion. It was not as difficult as it had seemed. This
spurred you on and again you climbed further.

(SPOT OFF)

Now the trail was steeper,
it was less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be heading in your direction.
You looked back and saw the crowds below you. You looked up and saw the
few above you. With the same determination with which you started your
climb, you continued on the trail.

(SPOT LIFE)

So on it was the badge
of Life Scout, the heart badge that was placed on your uniform. You will
never forget the thoughts in your heart. It has been experienced by most
Scouts on reaching the ledge of Life. "Now I am close to Eagle. I will
carry on." The trail became tougher, but more interesting. The original
simple principles, the Scout Oath and Law, now had a fuller meaning. Your
understanding of them was greater.

(SPOT OFF)

(OA TEAM: When the Voice
of the Eagle reaches the Eagle rank, the OA Team escorts the Eagle Scout
to the Eagle rank card)

(SPOT FOLLOWS SCOUT &
OA TEAM TO EAGLE)

Yes, we have watched your
character unfold and become manly. We have watched your leadership ability
expand into a valuable asset. We have watched your mind develop and your
wisdom increase. We have watched all of these things in you. Now that
you are at the threshold of your goal, we welcome you. For you have done
your climbing in a true Scout-like-manner.

(OA TEAM: When the tape
is finished, the OA Team wraps a blanket decorated with Scouting awards
over the Eagle Scout)

MC: As this blanket clothes
you in the spirit of scouting, let it be a reminder of your continued
journey through scouting.

(OA team takes their place
to the Eagles right )

(LIGHTS: all lights are
turned on)

(MC may turn and congratulate
scout on his journey)

(SPOT OFF)

MC: In a moment, the Scoutmaster
of Troop ____, will bestow upon you the award of Eagle Scout. However,
I am sure you will agree that some special people should be accorded the
privilege of standing beside you, as they have throughout your journey
in scouting. Color Guards (OA Team), please escort the parents of this
Eagle to his side.

(OA TEAM: escorts Parents
to Scout and has them stand on each side of the Eagle candidate.)

(OA TEAM then takes their
place sitting beside fire)

MC: Both the parents and
the Scout leaders of this Eagle Candidate have labored long and faithfully
to guide and prepare this young man for his journey in life, through the
help of the Boy Scout program. Their efforts culminate this evening in
the presentation of the Eagle Award. The success of these efforts, however,
will only be manifested in the way this Eagle Scout sets a pattern for
those whose lives he touches. At this time, I would like to introduce
the __________ (introduce your speaker(s).

SPEAKER: ************

MC: The Scoutmaster of
Troop____, (SM name) will now present the highest award presented by the
Boy Scouts of America. That of Eagle Scout.

SCOUTMASTER:(present Eagle
Award)*******

MC: It is tradition of
the Eagle ceremony, for the Scout to be given a charge. (***explain purpose/meaning
of charge) The Scoutmaster will now present the Eagle with his charge.

SCOUTMASTER: (Eagle Charge)
Eagle candidate, (Scouts name), I charge you to enter the Eagle Scout
brotherhood, holding the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition
of the Eagle Scout promise, you will become an Eagle Scout. When you pledge
yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your loyalty to the
code of the Eagle Scout with the words that closed the Declaration of
Independence. Make the Scout sign and repeat after me:

I reaffirm my allegiance*
to the three promises of the Scout Oath * I thoughtfully recognize and
take upon myself * the obligations and responsibilities* of the rank of
Eagle Scout. * On my honor, I will do my best* to make my training an
example * my rank and influence count strongly* for better Scouting and
for better citizenship* in my unit * in my community * and in my contacts
with other people.* To this I pledge my sacred honor.*

CLOSING CEREMONY:

MC: We will conclude our
ceremony by retiring the colors and the presentation of the flag. You
will notice that our Troop flag is decorated with 10 gold stars, representing
each Scout who has attained the rank of Eagle in this troop. This flag
will be presented to the Eagles parents to add their sons star to the
Troop flag, as he joins those who have attained the Eagle rank before
him.

The American flag , which
was raised over the US capital in honor of this Eagle Scout, will be presented
to him to keep as a daily reminder of his duty to serve God, his Country,
and others.

We hope this ceremony
has inspired other Scouts to reach this honorable rank. We are anxious
to see many more Eagles pass through our troop. On behalf of [ Eagle Scout's
name ] and his parents, we wish to thank everyone for coming and invite
you stay for refreshments immediately following the closing ceremony.

(CLOSING CEREMONY)

MC:

Attention Color Guards
(OA team, still sitting by fire, stands up; Young Smudger joins the OA
TEAM at the fire)

Color Guards Advance

(all advance towards flag
& stop)

Color Guards, retire the
colors

(Young Smudger & OA
Team retire Troop flag & fold it)

(OA team: removes the
American flag from pole and fold it)

Color Guards advance

(OA Team & Young Smudger:
advance to center and deliver folded

American flag to Eagle
Scout; then deliver folded Troop flag to parents)

Color Guards dismissed

Thank you. Goodnight

-- Thanks to Greg Gough,
SM Troop 201, Ozark, MO. "I used to be an Owl but I will always be an
Eagle!"

On behalf of the Scouts,
Scoutmasters, Troop Committee and all the Troop 869 family, I would like
to welcome you to this Eagle Court of Honor, convened to honor Richard.

Troop 869 is sponsored
by the Clear Lake Presbyterian Church. It was first chartered in 1970
and has been providing the boys of Clear Lake City with the opportunity
to participate in the Boy Scout program continuously for over 26 years.

The Eagle Court of Honor
is an event of great importance in a boy's life. In order to achieve this
high honor, a Scout has to fulfill many requirements, earn 21 merit badges,
serve his troop in a leadership position, and plan and carry out a substantial
service project for his community. This afternoon we gather to celebrate
Richard's achievement and to recognize his hard work and dedication.

As Troop Committee Chairman
I declare this Eagle Court of Honor to be in session.

Andrew, our Chaplain's
Aide, will now lead us in the Invocation.

Invocation -- Andrew,
Chaplain's Aide

Heavenly Father, we ask
that you bless this gathering of family and friends from near and far
who have come together today to honor and celebrate with Richard his earning
of the highest rank in Scouting, that of Eagle. Father, we also ask your
blessing on Richard's family, Scout leaders and fellow scouts who have
guided and supported Richard along the path to Eagle.

The Eagle Honor Guard
is made up of the original members of Richard's first patrol, the Seagulls.
They are Jonathan, Jack and Grant.

Presentation of the Colors
-- Jonathan, leader, Jack and Grant

Welcome -- John Cross,
Scoutmaster

(Scoutmaster Cross will
provide his own remarks.)

I now call upon Mr. Jim
Keith, Troop 869's Chartered Organization Representative, to tell you
about the 100 Scouts.

Of any one hundred boys
who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their
first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but in later life
all of these will remember that they had been Scouts and will speak well
of the program.

Of the one hundred, only
rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge. Twelve of the
one hundred will be from families that belong to no church. Through Scouting,
these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with
a church and will continue to be active all their lives. Six of the one
hundred will become pastors.

Each of the one hundred
will learn something from scouting. Almost all will develop hobbies that
will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. Approximately one-half
will serve in the military, and in varying degrees profit from their Scout
training. At least one will use it to save another person's life and many
will credit it with saving their own.

Two of the one hundred
will reach Eagle rank, and one will later say that he valued his Eagle
above his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through
merit badge work and Scouting contacts. Seventeen of the one hundred boys
will later become Scout leaders and will give leadership to thousands
of additional boys.

Only one in four boys
in America will become Scouts, but it is interesting to know that of the
leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out of
four were Scouts.

I now call upon Paul Buras
to describe Richard's Trail to Eagle.

Trail of the Eagle --
Paul Buras, Assistant Scoutmaster

Good afternoon. I am Paul
Buras, and I have had the good fortune to know Richard for his entire
Scouting career. I will briefly recount Richard's Trail to Eagle.

Richard began his trail
to Eagle in the fall of 1987 in Pack 956 at Armand Bayou Elementary School.
He received his first Scout award, the Tiger Cub pin, in October 1987
and completed the Tiger Cub badge in February 1988.

Christopher is a Tiger
Cub in Pack 956. (as each scout is called, he joins a line in front of
the room, at the end you have a line of boys which represents the Eagle's
growth during his scouting career.)

In his second year of
Cub Scouts, Richard completed the Bobcat Badge in October 1988 and his
Wolf Badge in November of 1988. During the remainder of this Scouting
year, he completed one gold and six silver arrow points.

Nickie is a Wolf Scout
in Pack 956.

Next on the trail to Eagle
was the Bear Badge, which Richard earned in September of 1989. He also
continued to advance and collected one gold arrow point and six silver
arrow points.

Patrick is a Bear Scout
in Pack 956

Richard's Webelos years
were very busy for him. He completed the Webelos Badge in December 1990
and the Arrow of Light Award, Cub Scouting's highest award, in February
1992. During this time he also earned 12 Webelos activity badges and completed
the Parvuli Dei Award, the Cub Scout religious award for the Roman Catholic
faith. His Webelos years also introduced him to summer camp, attending
Webelos resident camp at Camp Strake in the summers of 1990 and 1991.

David is a Webelos Scout
in Pack 956

Richard crossed the bridge
into Boy Scouts in March of 1992 and continued on his climb to Eagle.
His first badge was the Scout award which he received in March 1992. This
award recognizes the boy's acceptance of the Scout Oath and Scout Law
and his willingness to start learning the skills in Scouting.

Chris is a Scout in Troop
869.

Next on the trail to Eagle
was the Tenderfoot Award which was earned in May, 1992. This award recognizes
the Scout's first experiences and learning while camping in the outdoors.
He is also introduced to the patrol method of the Boy Scouts.

Kevin is a Tenderfoot
Scout in Troop 869.

Second Class was the next
step. Richard completed this rank in July,1992. To achieve this award
the Scout must demonstrate skills in compass, cooking, nature and first
aid. He must also participate in a service project.

Tyler is a Second Class
Scout in Troop 869.

Richard completed his
First Class award in September 1992. To achieve this rank he had to demonstrate
competence in orienteering, hiking, knots, lashings and more advanced
first aid. Additionally, he needed to learn about civics and participate
in another service project.

Andrew is a First Class
Scout in Troop 869

To achieve the rank of
Star, Richard started to make some choices. He had to complete six merit
badges including four that are required for Eagle, serve in a leadership
capacity and participate in six hours of service projects. He served as
a Den Chief for Pack 956. He completed the Star rank in February, 1993.

Robert is a Star Scout
in Troop 869.

The Life rank is very
similar to Star. He earned five additional merit badges, worked on more
service projects and continued to serve in a leadership capacity. Richard
continued to serve as a Den Chief and he completed the requirements for
Life in January of 1994.

Jack is a Life Scout in
Troop 869

Richard completed his
trail to Eagle in April of 1996. During his efforts to complete the award,
which included earning ten additional merit badges, planning and executing
a significant service project and continuing to serve in a leadership
capacity as Scribe and Patrol Leader, Richard also continued to broaden
his Scouting experience. He attended the Junior Leader Training Conference
in June 1995, completed the Den Chief award in December 1995 and earned
the World Conservation award.

Jonathan is an Eagle Scout
in Troop 869.

In addition, Richard has
at least 139 nights of camping, he attended the 1993 National Jamboree
and has served on Camp Strake staff. He has earned a total of 66 merit
badges, the BSA lifeguard certification and the mile swim and Snorkeling
BSA awards.

Scouts, you may return
to your seats.

Sam McJunkin, Troop 869
Eagle Advisor, will now continue the ceremony with the Pledge of the Eagle.

Pledge of the Eagle --
Sam McJunkin, Eagle Advisor

Would all the Eagle Scouts
in the audience please join me up here as we prepare to administer the
Pledge of the Eagle.

(take a moment to be sure
Richard is comfortable in the center of the stage so all can see him plainly)

Will all the Eagles and
Richard now make the Scout sign and join me in the Pledge of the Eagle.

"I (state you
name) reaffirm my allegiance (pause)
to the three promises of the Scout Oath. (pause)
I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself (pause)
the obligations and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout.
(pause)
On my honor, I will do my best (pause)
to make my training an example of my rank (pause)
and my influence count strongly and for better citizenship, (pause)
in my home, in my community and in my contacts with other people.
(pause)
To this I pledge my sacred honor. (pause)"
TWO.

Would the Eagles please
return to their seats. Richard please remain on stage. (pause to let commotion
pass)

I now call upon Mr. Bruce
Wadley, Troop 869 Advancement Chairman, to present the Eagle Award to
Richard.

Would Jonathan please
escort Mr. and Mrs. Cross to the front to join Richard.

(Jonathan offers his arm
to Mrs. Cross and Scoutmaster Cross follows to the front)

Richard, your parents
have been constant source of support for the eight and a half years you
have spent on your trail to Eagle. They are very proud of you, as are
all of us in Troop 869.

Your mother has given
you love, encouragement and support for many years, not only in Scouting,
but also in your many other activities. It is with great pleasure that
I ask her to pin the Eagle medal on your uniform.

(Mr. Wadley hands medal
to Mrs. Cross then she pins it on Richard)

Over the years, Richard,
you have had the chance to pin many mother's pins on your mother. This
afternoon you have the honor of pinning the Eagle pin on her dress and
thanking her one more time for all that she has done for you.

(Mr. Wadley gives the
mother's pin to Richard).

Richard, I now call upon
your father to place the Eagle neckerchief around your neck.

(Mr. Wadley gives the
neckerchief and slide to Scoutmaster Cross)

Richard, you father, too,
has helped you along the Eagle trail and in all other aspects of your
life. He has always been there for you when you needed help and he has
always encouraged you to achieve and learn in your endeavors. Please pin
this Eagle tie tack on his pocket next to his Eagle Medal.

(Mr. Wadley gives the
tie tack to Richard)

It gives me great pleasure
to present to you Troop 869's newest Eagle Scout, Richard Cross.

(Leads the audience in
applause)

Will Jonathan please escort
Richard's parents back to their seats.

(After Richard's parents
are seated, continue)

In case you are not aware
of it, there are awards to be earned after the Eagle. This afternoon I
am also pleased to present Richard with the bronze palm which he has earned
by completing 5 additional merit badges, participating fully in the Troop's
activities and continuing to develop his leadership skills.

(Mr. Wadley presents the
palm to Richard.)

I now call upon Mr. Bob
Miller, Assistant Scoutmaster, to administer the Challenge and Charge
to the Eagle.

Richard, as one Eagle
Scout to another, I want to personally recognize your hard work and congratulate
you on your significant achievement.

I would like to read to
you and this Court of Honor the Eagle Scout Challenge:

The Boy Scouts of all
nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant influences
in the world's history. You have been declared worthy of the high rank
of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. All who know you rejoice
in your achievement.

Your position, as you
well know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are a marked man. As
an Eagle Scout, you are expected to exemplify in your daily life the high
principles and values expressed in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. You
have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to your country,
to your fellow scouts, and to all other human beings. This is a great
undertaking which you are now just beginning. As you live up to your obligations
you bring honor to yourself and to your brother scouts.

As an Eagle Scout, you
will be a champion to other scouts and be an example to your community.
Remember, your actions will be more conspicuous. People will expect more
of you. It is your responsibility to help maintain the high regard that
all Americans have for Eagle Scouts. To falter would bring discredit,
not only to you, but to your fellow Eagles. Keep your ideals high and
your honor bright.

Your responsibilities,
however, go beyond your fellow scouts. They extend to your country and
to your God. America has many good things to give you, and to give your
children after you; but these good things depend, for the most part, on
the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You can
help make the future even greater.

I challenge you to undertake
your citizenship with solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward
the best. Lift up every task you do, and every office you hold, with a
high level of service to God and to your fellow human beings. Live and
serve so that those who know you will be inspired to the highest ideals
of life.

I challenge you to be
among those who dedicate their hearts and hands to the common good. Build
America on the solid foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish
citizenship, and reverence to God. Then, whatever others may do, you will
leave behind you a record of which you may be justly proud.

(Mr. Miller walks over
to Richard and shakes his hand, adding a personal private comment if desired)

It is traditional for
our newest Eagle Scouts to say a few words about their Scouting experience.
So now, please hear from Eagle Scout Richard.

The Eagle's Response --
Richard Cross

My trail to Eagle has
been very long and hard, but it would have been more so if I had not received
help from many people. I feel that attaining this rank would be impossible
to do alone.

First of all, I would
like to thank all of you who helped me on my Eagle project. The workers
and I accumulated over 230 hours of service. In particular, I would like
to thank Mr. Cooper and Brian Cooper for the use of their truck to haul
supplies and over 28 hours of service that they put in. I also would like
to thank Mrs. Swartwout for her help in lining up the project for me.

Next, I would like to
thank Mr. McJunkin, Mrs. Hamilton, Sister Betty, and Mr. Buras for sending
Letters of Recommendation in. I chose these people because of their great
influence they have had on me. They all made a difference in my life in
one way or another.

Third, I would thank all
my previous boy scout and cub scout leaders. My father, Mr. Snodgrass,
Mr. Carey, and Jim O'Donnell were my den leaders, and Mr. O'Donnell and
Mr. Buras were my Cubmasters. In boy scouts, Mr. Chandler and my father
lead the troop. Good leaders influenced me to want to go further in scouting.

Finally, I would like
to thank my parents for all their assistance and encouragement. My father
kept me moving whenever I felt like slacking. He also helped build the
troop into what it is today. He was at my side when I planned and carried
out my Eagle project. My mother was eager to pick up food and drinks for
the project workers. She also wrote a letter of recommendation for me.
In addition, they both put together my Court of Honor.

Now that I have received
my eagle, I've made plans to give back to the troop and community. I will
stay with the troop up until I leave for college. I will finish this term
as SPL and hopefully become a Junior assistant scoutmaster when I turn
sixteen. I am also going to stay on Camp Strake as long as they have Boy
Scout camp, and as long as I don't have a full time job. Also, I plan
to staff winter camp this year and for years to come.

Thank you all for coming.

(After Richard completes
his remarks, he returns to the pew with his parents)

Mr. Etherton returns to
the front to introduce Sister Betty

It is my pleasure to introduce
Sister Betty who will lead us in the closing benediction.

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